A Christmas Quick Sketch Page 13
“And too dumb not to see it fall out of their pockets and into your hands. I thought you went straight, hon’.”
“I did,” I said. “Can I help it if these boys won’t let themselves believe what’s right in front of their eyes? If I don’t hide my skill, it’s not a hustle.”
“This is Lex’s money then?” Jello’s smile stretched, making his chins wobble.
“I didn’t say that. Lex would never short you, any more than I would. But Lex would rather have Drew pay his own bill. As he should.” I leaned forward. “Jello, what did you hear about Penny Forbes dying?”
“Thought you knew, hon’.” Jello’s chins quivered with a mournful shake. “Can’t believe it. She was engaged, too, did you know that? Found a way up.”
“Up?”
“Rich guy. Didn’t surprise me too much. That Penny. Gorgeous and smart. A legend.”
“Hold on.” I checked on Lex. While drawing out a story with one hand, he slipped the money clip back into Drew’s pocket. Typical Lex. Let Drew think he’d blown his cash when he woke hungover and broke.
I turned back to Jello. “Penny was engaged to a rich guy and OD’d on heroin? Doesn’t add up Jello. She didn’t use and she’d never pimp out. She was a good roper, but never let herself get too dirty.”
“I reckoned the same. After her momma—“ His chins shook again.
“Exactly. The rich guy, was he a mark? Or legit?”
“Dunno, hon’.” Jello fixed his piggy eyes over my shoulder. “Lex is wrapping up.”
I turned, catching the exuberant expression lighting Lex’s face. He could be mistaken for a young, doctoral student. A highlighted lock had fallen over his forehead. His lean physique gave the impression of slightness. I knew the wiry strength that hid beneath his designer button down. He just needed a pair of wire-rims to complete the picture of slightly nerdy but cute grad student. Not that Lex had ever stepped foot in a college classroom. No more than I had.
At least I didn’t think so. You could never be sure with Lex.
I wouldn’t put it past him to audit the classes that interested him. And it wouldn’t surprise me if he had somehow obtained a diploma. He was good at that sort of thing. Got his kicks from pitting his wiles against bureaucratic quagmires. Anything that frustrated a normal person, Lex loved to unravel and beat.
Including trying to lure me back into his questionable operations. And other areas of his life.
Catching my eye, Lex gave me a slight nod. I slunk back to the table, seemingly chastened.
“Thanks for covering my tab,” Drew said. “And if I see her in here again, I’ll leave her alone.”
“Do that, young man. Although I’d give Jello’s a wide berth, if I were you. He overlooks anything but paying your bill, which you almost didn’t do. But if you risk Jello’s wrath and do see Miss Williams, give Mr. Jello the word that you’ve spotted this young sociopath. He’ll escort her out the door. Likely you as well. Jello hates rats even more than scarpers. I think it’s a cattle prod he uses.”
Lex’s smile quirked as he peered down his nose at me. “You heard that, Miss Williams? It’s for your own good. Respectable young women don’t hang out in pool halls.”
I pursed my lips. Lex was really pushing it.
He grasped my elbow. “Past your bedtime, Miss Williams. Time to go home. Your father will be sorry to hear about this.”
“He certainly would,” I said dryly. My father was always sorry to hear about me and any sort of hustle—imagined or real. Particularly since my father was a cop.
And more crooked than any swindler I’d ever met.
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Acknowledgments
A huge thanks to Tracy Sands for wanting to know what happened with Todd and Cherry in Vegas. Although you still didn’t get that story, I hoped this helped feed your imagination! And thank you to your husband, Albert, for explaining the poker world to me.
* * *
Also thanks to my Heartache Motel friends, Terri L Austin and LynDee Walker. This story would not exist without you.
* * *
And to my family, you always have my eternal gratitude.
Praise for Larissa Reinhart
The Finley Goodhart Crime Caper series
The Cupid Caper
“This is as fun a novel as it is moving and at times heart-breaking, never the more so when the final page comes and readers are only left wanting more.” — Cynthia Chow, King’s River Life Magazine
"Expertly written with engaging dialogue and a fast-paced read, this mystery kept me glued to the pages. Another great novel from Larissa and I look for more action with Fin, Lex and a surprise newcomer to their fold." — Dru Ann Love, Raven Award winning blogger at Dru’s Book Musings
“Another great mystery by Larissa Reinhart. Con artists, murder, a cast of sinister characters, and some laughs along the way. Loved it.” — Terri L. Austin, author of the Rose Strickland Mysteries and Null For Hire series.
The Maizie Albright Star Detective Series
NC-17 (#3)
“The Maizie we meet at the beginning of this novel is not the woman who emerges at the end, and that is where the author excels. This is an undeniably fun mystery that makes the most of celebrity lifestyles and replacement of network television by streaming channels, yet never sacrifices character development for laughs.” — Cynthia Chow, Kings River Life Magazine
“The mystery and detective cases drive the story, but Larissa Reinhart’s characters steal the show every time.” — The Girl with Book Lungs
“NC-17 is simply fabulous. Fans of cozy mysteries, southern chick lit, hick lit, crime capers, and humorous mysteries will love it.” — Jane Reads
View To A Chill
(A Cherry Tucker & Maizie Albright novella)
“It was fun watching Maize and Cherry do what they do best, helping each other, indirectly, along the way in this engagingly entertaining drama. It was like having the best of both characters in the same story, yet separated by their roles. I look forward to more adventures together or separately with these lovable characters.” — Dru Ann Love, Dru’s Book Musing
“If you love southern settings with plenty of sweet tea and eccentric characters, the meet up of these two heroines is epic. Not only did I race through the pages, but I immediately downloaded the first book in the series.” — Barb Taub, humor writer and author of the Null City series
“If you love short mystery stories or novellas, this is the book for you.” — Map Your Mystery
16 MILLIMETERS (#2)
“Another fun outing for Maizie Albright, former child star. Larissa Reinhart always brings humor and grit to her mysteries.” — Terri L. Austin, author of the Rose Strickland Mysteries and the Null for Hire series.
“The author so brilliantly creates an environment where Harvey Weinstein-like behavior could exist, and demonstrates how actresses must walk a delicate line in order to stay employed and still not be victimized. Maizie’s missteps make each of her successes an absolute joy, and I encourage readers to delve into this lively, funny, and genuinely satisfying series.” — Cynthia Chow, Kings River Life Magazine
“With visually descriptive narrative, humorous quips, witty repartee and a quirky cast of characters, this was a such a fun book to read. This was an engagingly entertaining book and I can’t wait to see where we go next with Maize, Nash and the rest of the gang.” — Dru Ann Love, Dru’s Book Musing
15 MINUTES (#1)
“Larissa writes a delightful book. Suspense, romance, and some funny situations. [Maizie’s] a teen star grown up to new possibilities.” — Sharon Salituro, Fresh Fiction
“I love Larissa Reinhart’s books because they are funny but they also show the big heart of the protagonist.” —Lynn Farris, Hot Mystery Review
"Hollywood glitz meets backwoods grit in this fast-paced ride on D-list celeb Maizie Albright's waning star. Sassy, sexy, and
fun, 15 Minutes is hours of enjoyment—and a wonderful start to a fun new series from the charmingly Southern-fried Reinhart." — Phoebe Fox, author of The Breakup Doctor series
"Maizie Albright is the kind of fresh, fun, and feisty ‘star detective’ I love spending time with, a kind of Nancy Drew meets Lucy Ricardo. Move over, Janet Evanovich. Reinhart is my new "star mystery writer!"— Penny Warner, author of Death Of a Chocolate Cheater and The Code Busters Club
"Child star and hilarious hot mess Maizie Albright trades Hollywood for the backwoods of Georgia and pure delight ensues. Maizie's my new favorite escape from reality." — Gretchen Archer, USA Today bestselling author of the Davis Way Crime Caper series
"This is a great start to a new series that boasts a quirky cast of characters, engaging dialogue and the liveliness that befits this delightfully amusing and fast-paced drama." — Dru Ann Love, Dru's Book Musings
The Cherry Tucker Mystery Series
A Composition In Murder (#6)
"Anytime artist Cherry Tucker has what she calls a Matlock moment, can investigating a murder be far behind? A Composition in Murder is a rollicking good time." – Terrie Farley Moran, Agatha Award-Winning Author of Read to Death
"Boasting a wonderful cast of characters, witty banter blooming with southern charm, this is a fantastic read and I especially love how this book ended with exciting new opportunities, making it one of the best book in this delightfully endearing series." — Dru Ann Love, Dru's book musings
"This is a winning series that continues to grow stronger and never fails to entertain with laughs, a little snark, and a ton of heart." – Kings River Life Magazine
The Body In The Landscape (#5)
"Cherry Tucker is a strong, sassy, Southern sleuth who keeps you on the edge of your seat. She's back in action in The Body in the Landscape with witty banter, Southern charm, plenty of suspects, and dead bodies—you will not be disappointed!" – Tonya Kappes, USA Today Bestselling Author
"Anyone who likes humorous mysteries will also enjoy local author Larissa Reinhart, who captures small town Georgia in the laugh- out-loud escapades of struggling artist Cherry Tucker." – Fayette Woman Magazine
"Portraits of freshly dead people turn up in strange places in Larissa Reinhart's mysteries, and her The Body in the Landscape is no exception. Because of Cherry's experiences, she knows that—Super Swine notwithstanding—man has always been the most dangerous game, making her the perfect protagonist for this giggle-inducing, down-home fun."— Betty Webb, Mystery Scene Magazine
Death In Perspective (#4)
"One fasten-your-seatbelt, pedal-to-the-metal mystery, and Cherry Tucker is the perfect sleuth to have behind the wheel. Smart, feisty, as tough as she is tender, Cherry's got justice in her crosshairs." – Tina Whittle, Author of the Tai Randolph Mysteries
"The perfect blend of funny, intriguing, and sexy! Another must-read masterpiece from the hilarious Cherry Tucker Mystery Series." – Ann Charles, USA Today Bestselling Author of the Deadwood and Jackrabbit Junction Mystery Series.
"Artist and accidental detective Cherry Tucker goes back to high school and finds plenty of trouble and skeletons...Reinhart's charming, sweet-tea flavored series keeps getting better!" – Gretchen Archer, USA Today Bestselling Author of the Davis Way Crime Caper Series
Hijack In Abstract (#3)
"The fast-paced plot careens through small-town politics and deadly rivalries, with zany side trips through art-world shenanigans and romantic hijinx. Like front-porch lemonade, Reinhart's cast of characters offer a perfect balance of tart and sweet." – Sophie Littlefield, Bestselling Author of A Bad Day for Sorry
"Reinhart manages to braid a complicated plot into a tight and funny tale. The reader grows to love Cherry and her quirky worldview, her sometimes misguided judgment, and the eccentric characters that populate the country of Halo, Georgia. Cozy fans will love this latest Cherry Tucker mystery."– Mary Marks, New York Journal of Books
"In HIJACK IN ABSTRACT, Cherry Tucker is back—tart-tongued and full of sass. With her paint-stained fingers in every pie, she's in for a truckload of trouble."– J.J. Murphy, Author of the Algonquin Round Table Mysteries
Still Life In Brunswick Stew (#2)
"Reinhart's country-fried mystery is as much fun as a ride on the tilt-a-whirl at a state fair. Her sleuth wields a paintbrush and unravels clues with equal skill and flair. Readers who like a little small-town charm with their mysteries will enjoy Reinhart's series." – Denise Swanson, New York Times Bestselling Author of the Scumble River Mysteries
"The hilariously droll Larissa Reinhart cooks up a quirky and entertaining page-turner! This charming mystery is delightfully Southern, surprisingly edgy, and deliciously unpredictable." – Hank Phillippi Ryan, Agatha Award-Winning Author of Truth Be Told
"This mystery keeps you laughing and guessing from the first page to the last. A whole-hearted five stars."– Denise Grover Swank, New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author
Portrait Of A Dead Guy (#1)
"Portrait of a Dead Guy is an entertaining mystery full of quirky characters and solid plotting...Highly recommended for anyone who likes their mysteries strong and their mint juleps stronger!" – Jennie Bentley, New York Times Bestselling Author of Flipped Out
"Reinhart is a truly talented author and this book was one of the best cozy mysteries we reviewed this year." – Mystery Tribune
"It takes a rare talent to successfully portray a beer-and-hormone-addled artist as a sympathetic and worthy heroine, but Reinhart pulls it off with tongue-in-cheek panache. Cherry is a lovable riot, whether drooling over the town's hunky males, defending her dysfunctional family's honor, or snooping around murder scenes."— Mystery Scene Magazine
About the Author
Wall Street Journal bestselling and award-winning author, Larissa Reinhart writes humorous mysteries and romantic comedies including the critically acclaimed Maizie Albright Star Detective, Cherry Tucker Mystery, and Finley Goodhart Crime Caper series. Her works have been chosen as book club picks by Woman’s World Magazine and Hot Mystery Reviews.
Larissa’s family and dog, Biscuit, had been living in Japan, but once again call Georgia home. See them on HGTV’s House Hunters International “Living for the Weekend in Nagoya” episode. Visit her website, LarissaReinhart.com, and join her newsletter for a free short story.
The Christmas Quick Sketch
A Cherry Tucker Mystery Prequel
Third Edition
Published by PAST PERFECT PRESS
Copyright © 2019 by Larissa Reinhart
ePub ISBN: 978-1-73252-989-2
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever, including Internet usage, without written permission from Past Perfect Press, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.
Original Copyright © 2013 by Larissa Reinhart
Original Publication date: Henery Press; 1 edition (December 10, 2013) in “Quick Sketch” in Heartache Motel, Three Interconnected Mystery Novellas
Second Publication date: Good Fortune Farm Refuge (November 20, 2018) in Sleigh Bells and Sleuthing: A Collection of 16 Cozy Mystery Novellas Featuring Female Sleuths (non-profit fundraiser)
This is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, or real locales are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination, and any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
Printed in the United States of America
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